What Do Tire Numbers Mean?

If you’re shopping for new tires in Winter Haven but unsure of what kind of tire you need, Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM FIAT of Winter Haven is here to help. If you’ve ever noticed a combination of letters and numbers on your tire, that is your tire code. So, what do the numbers on tires mean? This code tells Bartow drivers the type, size, and purpose of the tire. If you’re wondering, in detail, what do the numbers on tires mean, our service team will teach you.

Determining Tire Number Meanings

What do tire numbers mean? Tire number meaning is the letter and number combination that informs you of the speed rating, load index, size, and type of tire you need to reach premium performance throughout Auburndale. Here’s an example:

Example: P215/65R15 95H

So, what do the numbers on this tire mean? Each section of the code informs you of very important tire information.

Decoding “P”

The “P” represents “P-Metric tire”, which means it is for passenger vehicles only. If your code reads, “LT”, it means “light truck” and the tire should be used on light-weight pickup trucks.

Decoding “215”

After the “P” is the “215” number, which represents the tire width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.

Decoding “65”

Following the forward slash is the aspect ratio code, which is the number “65” in the example. The tire’s ratio is the height of the tire’s cross-section width. Therefore, the aspect ratio in this example is 65% of the tire’s width. Larger aspect ratio means larger sidewalls.

Decoding “R”

The “R” tells you the tire’s construction, with “R” representing that it’s a radial.

Decoding “15”

“15” represents the wheel size. Essentially, this tells Haines City drivers what tire can fit on this specific wheel. This code informs us that this tire can fit a 15-inch wheel.

Decoding “95H”

The last part of the code reads “95H” which is the speed rating and load index. This tells you the amount of weight the tire can support once inflated properly and the “H” tells you the speed rating of how fast the tire can safely go. The “H” informs us that this tire can reach 130 mph safely in Haines City.

Shop for New Tires at Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM FIAT of Winter Haven!

Since we answered, “What do tire numbers mean?” You now have knowledge of what tire numbers mean, but don’t hesitate to contact us if you need more assistance. As always, you can shop at our parts center to find the right tires for your vehicle.